On Monday (July 21) The Red Mile hosted two $47,945 first legs of the Kentucky Sire Stakes for four-year-olds and older for male and female pacers. Women Layer picked right up where he left off at Oak Grove. Lou Hill, however, gave him a run for his money while Peace Talks asserted her presence in Lexington.
Women Layer (Todd McCarthy) fended off the advance of Lou Hill (Dexter Dunn) to extend his win streak to 10, with eight of those wins coming this year and established a new lifetime mark of 1:49 in the process. Bet On Big Joe (Geremy Bobbitt), the longest shot on the board at 31-1, got up for third.
The heavy favourite set the initial tempo with a first quarter split of :27.1, but his pilot was satisfied to take back to second prior to the half while Lou Hill took charge in :54.4. Lou Hill continued to hold his advantage through three quarters in 1:23.1 but Women Layer was prepared for his march to wire.
The duo battled down the stretch with Women Layer gaining the advantage before the finish line to score by a half-length. Both horses paced their final quarters in :25.3 and :25.4, respectively.
Women Layer is trained by Virgil Morgan Jr., who also is responsible for Lou Hill. The gelding is owned by Let It Ride Inc., Douglas Overhiser, Jeff Fought Racing and Larry Wills. Carl Howard bred the gelding by Sweet Lou out of Loreenas Ruffian. With a resume of 29-20-5-2, Woman Layer has banked $890,764 lifetime.
Women Layer paid $2.20 to his supporters.
Peace Talks (Dunn) was content to allow heavily favoured Bath Bomb (Andrew McCarthy) to lead the way right from the gate. Dunn sat in the garden spot while Bath Bomb reeled off splits of :27.3, :56.1 and 1:23.3 but he and his horse were prepared to pounce and did exactly that heading around the final turn.
Bath Bomb offered some resistance, but Peace Talks would not be denied and came home in a brisk :25.4. The daughter of American Ideal-Triple V Hanover stopped the clock in 1:49.3. Bath Bomb held second and Capytreach (Andy Miller), the longest shot in the field of five at 32-1, came on late to snatch the show spot.
Trained by Chris Ryder, Peace Talks is owned by Henderson Farms, Fac Racing LLC and Robert Mondillo. Peace Talks was bred by Donald Robinson, Michael Robinson, Steve Stewart and James Daut. The mare improved her resume to 40-5-10-11 with career earnings of $650,381. This was her first triumph of the season from 12 trips to the post. Her time was a new lifetime mark.
The mare paid $9.64 for her efforts.
Racing will continue through Sunday (Oct. 5), following a Sunday through Wednesday schedule. Fans and horsemen can look forward to 5:05 p.m. post times on Sundays, and 1:00 p.m. post times on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays throughout the meet.
The Red Mile is pleased to announce the return of Sunday Night Lights presented by Crawford Farms. Sunday Night Lights will bring a new level of energy to the track and will feature championship racing alongside themed events, live music, family friendly entertainment and drink and dining specials.
Guests can receive a free t-shirt with the purchase of a live racing program while supplies last.
The Red Mile will once again feature industry low takeout on the pari-mutuel side of things while offering fans a full buffet of wagering options including bookend daily double wagering exacta and trifecta wagering, 20 cent superfectas, Pick-3, Pick-4, Pick-5 and Pick-6 offerings and the Super Hi-5.
(With files from The Red Mile)